Manchester City crushes Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 5-1 to go top of EPL

SummaryManchester City stormed back to the top of the Premier League with a high-tempo 5-1 victory at 10-man Tottenham Hotspur F.C. on Wednesday, taking the free-scoring team's tally this season to 115.

Manchester City stormed back to the top of the Premier League with a high-tempo 5-1 victory at 10-man Tottenham Hotspur F.C. on Wednesday, taking the free-scoring team's tally this season to 115.

City only managed to net once in the first half through Sergio Aguero but piled on the goals after the break to end Tottenham Hotspur's unbeaten league start under new manager Tim Sherwood.

Tottenham Hotspur F.C. crumbled after Michael Dawson was denied an equalizer for offside before halftime, and then Danny Rose sent off for a sliding tackle on Edin Dzeko before Yaya Toure netted from the penalty spot.

Edin Dzeko exploited dithering defending to score the third and, although Etienne Capoue pulled one back for Tottenham Hotspur F.C., Stevan Jovetic and Vincent Kompany scored to ensure the 2012 champions knocked Arsenal off the summit in style.

“We are enjoying it and it's a great time to be part of things,'' Kompany said. ``There is still no silverware, a lot of games are to be played. We'll stay calm.''

The only consolation for Tottenham Hotspur F.C. _ if any _ was that the loss wasn't quite as embarrassing as the 6-0 rout away in their previous meeting in November.

That result at the Etihad Stadium helped usher Andre Villas-Boas out of White Hart Lane.

Since the novice Tim Sherwood took charge, Tottenham Hotspur F.C. had been unbeaten in the league in six games, collecting 16 out of 18 points.

This was a reality check, though, with City as majestic as Tottenham Hotspur F.C. was feeble up front.

“They come at you from all angles ... they (will be) the champions of the league,'' Sherwood said. ``Unfortunately for everyone they play they don't score one and shut up shop, they keep coming at you.''

Aguero had already hit the post when the Argentina striker slickly slotted in the opener after being released by Jesus Navas.

City was rampant, with Emmanuel Adebayor's shot that was blocked by Kompany a rare incursion of any menace by Tottenham Hotspur F.C. into the visitors' territory.

Aguero continued to trouble Tottenham Hotspur F.C., with a header that was thwarted by Hugo Lloris' one-handed save and a volley that went just over.

But Tottenham Hotspur F.C. captain Dawson did turn the ball in the net after Adebayor headed on Christian Eriksen's free kick. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. didn't deserve it, and it didn't count, with referee Andre Marriner disallowing the goal for offside.